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I recently told you how I had just become a columnist on handmadenews.org, so I had this idea to do little tie in blogs.
What do I mean by that? Well, when I write an article about something that I actually do, or have done in the past, I thought I would show you. It may not happen with all my articles, because sometimes I do research in order to write about something I havent actually tried myself… I dont do every craft..much as I often want to!
So my most recent article is about Brick Stitch. And I really do use Brick Stitch. In fact it was the basis of a pile of designs I did for merchandise for Alundra’s Conundrum. It started off with a covered marble dangle, and then spawned earrings, a badge, a flower in a pot, and a flower badge.

AC Critter

AC Flower Brooch

AC Badge

AC Flower in Vase

AC Earrings

A lot of bead weavers probably would have used peyote stitch for most of these, but I like the way brick stitch works up. I did make an AC Mug in peyote though.

Do you ever feel like that? Like you are so busy that you cant remember which day you are up to? I feel like that today. It could also have something to do with spending so much time talking to wonderful people in the United States. I am almost at the point of operating on a different timeline..except for the obvious signs of difference..like the sky being dark here when they all say good morning to me! But I am being to realise that I have to think in two time zones, or else I cant let people know when things will happen.
Take for example my articles for handmadenews.org – my articles are published on the site on Saturday and Wednesday… which is more like Sunday and Thursday for me. But it works great with me submitting articles, because if I submit the day it says…like Wednesday..then my editor actually gets it on Tuesday!
Are you as confused as I am right now? Nevermind… I think I have a handle on it! I have it under control.

I’ve also listed some new items in my studio on ArtFire – HaffinaCreations, and my studio (and everyone elses) just got a makeover! We have these brilliant new Fusion Studios. You should really come and have a look.
I have some new Chainmaille pieces sitting on my beading table waiting for me to take photographs of them so I can list them. As soon as I do I will post them here too.. I’m really proud of them.
I think thats all for now..just a quick catch up.
Drop in to HaffinaCreations and see whats new, and drop by the Craft Techniques department of handmadenews.org and say hello!
Til next time.

No, I havent made a mistake. Not that kind of mixed up blog! I mean I’m going to talk about several different things.
Firstly. I got my first article published in my new position as a columnist on handmadenews.org. It is an article about Annealing, which is quite an important issue for handmade jewellery artisans. It is the first in a series of articles I am writing on craft techniques. If you’d like to have a read you will find the article right here.
I have also been doing some clay work, probably not as much as I would truly like, but that is more to do with a lack of time than a lack of motivation. I have made some new Mica Shift pendants.
I’m beginning to get a handle on it, and my finishing is improving all the time.
I also made some cabochons and some buttons for a challenge on Beading Forum dot com dot au.
And I have also made some new Chainmaille pieces. I’m getting more adventurous and experimenting more.
I made this Jen’s Pind bracelet and earrings for my mum for her birthday out of Jeweller’s Brass. She loves it, and so do I.
I also made my first sales on ArtFire! One was a commissioned piece, the other was bought directly from my studio. I was so excited! Want to see what I sold?
These were sold to one customer, and the below is the commissioned piece. Both bracelets are European 8 in 1 weave in Anodised Aluminium.
I have oodles more that I could show you, but I will leave it for another time. Don’t want you getting eye candy overload!!
Come drop by handmadenews.org and read some fabulous articles, and dont forget to drop in to HaffinaCreations on ArtFire to see more of my pieces.

There are times when you wonder if the things you love will ever be more than just a hobby or a pastime or a dream you have. And sometimes it doesnt seem to matter how hard you try you cant get things to go the way you want.
But sometimes it works the other way, and more and more avenues open up to you that allow you to do things you love and feel rewarded. This is what has recently happened to me.
I just earnt an position as a columnist on a new online newspaper with its focus on handmade. handmadenews.org is a fabulous venture that showcases and promotes all things handmade. There are lots of different departments, like Business and Inspiration, and of course the department I work in – Craft Techniques. Everyone who contributes does so because they want to help the handmade industry grow and educate everyone on how brilliant handmade really is.
If you ever have a Craft Technique you want me to explore, or you have any questions, feel free to leave me a comment.

The Crazy Train keeps rolling on, with new riders jumping on every couple of days. Taking the rides this timeMichiganMud. MichiganMud makes awesome polymer clay pieces, like these..
There are more lovely pieces in the MichiganMud studio, so go and have a look. You are sure to find something you will love!

Another awesome ArtFire artisan is riding the Crazy Train. This time it is AlisunsToo, where you Always Get Too For Won! There are some lovely pieces available like these…
Help support a fabulous ArtFire Artisan and get yourself into AlisunsToo and get a fabulous item or Too!

A new driver has hopped aboard the Crazy Train. This time it is AbsolutelyAmy. There are some fabulous items in her studio.
Take a look…
Great stuff!
So get yourself into AbsolutelyAmy on ArtFire, you never know what you might find!